Follow the Yellow Brick Road
The first Mardi Gras is still in the living memory of those who, in 1978, ran the gauntlet of pride and prejudice that paved the yellow brick road for us. It is through the hard work and will of the community this public display of defiance still kicks on today.
Like Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man the journey towards our Emerald City can sometimes feel like a winding road that never ends. Sometimes along the way, we see glimmers of hope, like the recent announcement of the Proud Schools program for NSW. Other times, we are thrust upon the altar of defeat, like the Howard Government’s ban on same-sex marriage.
But unlike the Lion who has no courage, we as a community have demonstrated resilience time and time again. We will always rise to each challenge with strength and determination.
Unlike the Scarecrow, who has no brain, we have put our case forward for universal equality with the intellectual intensity of Bill Gates at a LAN party. From classroom bullying to international resolutions of the United Nations, we have stood proudly in the face of hate. And unlike the Tin Man who has no heart, we open our hearts to the flood of international visitors every year who join us in our Emerald City march.
Like Dorothy, we are all trying to make our way back home, with a little help from our friends. To find that place where we feel we belong. The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby works to create that home for our community.
Our individual journey on life’s yellow brick road is not long. Every minute counts. Help us achieve full equality in our lifetime. March with us in Mardi Gras. Become a GLRL member. Join a GLRL campaign group. Volunteer at an event.
The Lobby is a not-for-profit owned and run by the membership. This means the shiny red sparkly shoes will always be yours. When we come home to full equality, we want to look back and say, “You were there, and you were there, and you were there too”.
info: Become a member, join our float or volunteer by emailing [email protected] or phone (02) 9571 5501.
By RATHANA CHEA, NSW GLRL
